Posts archived in Green Home Building

0 comments

December 1, 2011

5 “Green” Yard Trends in New Houston Homes

In recent years, Texas home builders have been taking extra pride in constructing unique and innovative homes in effort to attract buyers who might otherwise be looking for a resale or foreclosed home. One area that builders have noticeably taken a green initiative is the addition of “green” yards in the construction of new homes in Houston and the surrounding suburbs.

Green Yards : Eco-Friendly Irrigation System

It is well known that Houstonians take pride in their outdoor living areas and in being good to the environment. Which is why if you already own a home, you may be looking to upgrade your patio there are a number of choices that you can make with conservation in mind. But being environmentally friendly is more involved than simply choosing plants that don’t need to be watered much. Here are some ideas to for overhauling your patio.

  1. A smart irrigation system is one that is programmed to shut off the water when it rains and also adjusts the amount of water it delivers based on factors such as the temperature and how much your plants need on a particular day.
  2. Outdoor lighting is one area that can certainly use attention and be made more eco-friendly. LEDs are a nice choice to replace your traditional flood and porch lights. Steer clear of incandescent and halogen lighting for outdoors. Although you’ll pay more for LEDs, you may never have to replace them because they last so long. They use very little electricity, which will “lighten” your utility bill.
  3. If you have an outdoor kitchen you should consider Energy Star appliances that’ll keep your electric bill in check and give you the peace of mind that you’re reducing your carbon footprint.
  4. To be sure that your sliding glass door isn’t betraying your energy conservation efforts, replace it with an energy-efficient model. Ensure that it is heavy-duty and that it fits tightly. Look for the Energy Star label.
  5. Consider limiting the amount of plants you have to maintain, particularly if you’re short on yard space. Your annuals and vegetables will look nice in a container of travertine or pavers that matches the decor of your patio area.

Houston’s climate allows for many measures that can ease the strain on our planets resources. This coupled with the sense of social responsibility among our city’s residents has already pushed many to make wise, green decisions when it comes to our homes.

0 comments

February 10, 2011

Green Home in Laveen, AZ

Green Home Plan in Laveen, Arizona

Builder: Elliott Homes
Community: The Estate Series at Riverwalk
Location: Laveen, Arizona
Price: From $164,950

Plan Name: The Palomino
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Garage(s): 3
Square feet: 1,780

Home highlights: single story home, energy-efficient, attractive designs, charming front porch leads to a spacious foyer overlooking the great room and backyard.

Home/floor plan description: The Palomino features a large master suite with walk-in closet. The home has 3 bedrooms, oversized great room, 2 baths, 3 car garages and optional covered patio, kitchen island, den/work area and much more.

Community description: The Estate Series at Riverwalk offers amazing single story, Ranch-style homes built on oversized wide lots. The community provides homes that can save home owners up to 60% of their utility costs when compared to homes “built to code”.

visit the community | Elliott Homes

Sales office:
Address: 5519 West Kowalsky Lane Laveen, AZ 85339
Phone #: 602-237-2603
E-mail: d.anglin@elliotthomes.com

See Also: Green Homebuilders & Green Homes for Sale

*This informational resource was not sponsored by Elliott Homes.

*Pricing and availability is subject to change at anytime without notice. Please contact an Elliott Homes sales associate for the most up-to-date information about Elliott Homes, their new homes for sale and their communities.

0 comments

January 15, 2011

Green Home Plan in Davenport, Florida

Green Home Plan in Orlando, Florida

Builder: Meritage Homes
Community: Lexington Green at Providence
Location: Davenport, Florida
Price: $245,990

Plan Name: Winterset
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Garage(s): 2
Square feet: 2,309

Home highlights: single story home, energy efficiency package, large kitchen that overlooks the breakfast nook and family room.

Home/floor plan description: The Winterest features a large kitchen that overlooks the breakfast nook and family room. Layout includes a formal living/dining area. Fantastic for family entertaining.

Community description: Lexington Green at Providence is a gated golf-course community of new homes located in Davenport, Florida, just south of Orlando near the popular Kissimmee / St. Cloud area. The community is surrounded by beautiful lakes, great shopping, golf, and local fare. New homes in the community are available with stylish designs and custom options.

visit the community | Meritage Homes

Sales office:
Address: 1316 Oakcrest Court Davenport, FL 33837
Phone #: 863-420-9983

See Also: Green Homebuilders & Green Homes for Sale

*This informational resource was not sponsored by Landon Homes.

*Pricing and availability is subject to change at anytime without notice. Please contact a Landon Homes sales associate for the most up-to-date information about Landon Homes, their new homes for sale and their communities.

1 comments

April 14, 2009

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

CFL Bulb

CFL Bulb

By changing the light bulbs in your house to compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) you can save about $45 in electricity cost per light bulb. Another way to save energy is to implement shading can save up to 40% of cooling costs.

 

Planting trees in strategic areas will save the home owner about $100 – $250 a year in energy costs. Be sure to turn televisions, computers and DVD players off, not just leaving them on standby, will make a significant difference in how much you will pay on your next utility bill.

 

If you replace a washing machine that is older than 1994, you will save up to $110 a year on your utility bill. Purchasing Energy Star approved appliances, or even an Energy Star approved new home, you can save your family up to 50% more money than non Energy Star approved appliances.New washing machines come standard with the Energy Star and can be purchased for less than $1000. These washers will not only conserve energy but will also conserve water as well.

 

Other ways to conserve water is by changing your shower head. For an investment of $10 or less you can save $50 to $75 per year on water bills and $20 to $50 more per year on energy bills (depending on your current shower head and utility rates). Every new shower head should pay for itself within the first year.

 

0 comments

October 6, 2008

What is a green home?

A green home is a home built to minimize the impact on the environment that occurs when construction begins. A green home will have a positive affect on the natural resources used to build and inhabit a home. Energy and water conservation, less waste, and a healthy environment in which to live are all benefits of building a green home.

 

Most green homes require less maintenance and will have lower operating costs than conventional homes. Sometimes the initial cost to build will be higher, but the savings received over the years will more than pay for the added expenses.

 

Building a green home should begin with the correct lot purchase. Green homes reduce the impact on the environment and nature features, such as trees and other vegetation must be considered. This will provide value to the homeowner and the community.

 

Selecting the right building materials for a green home will reduce the time and money needed for maintenance. It will also allow for less waste of materials during construction.

 

One of the most important aspects of a green home is efficient energy use. Energy Star appliances, insulation, and building materials are at least fifteen percent more efficient than those without this important designation. Energy star heating and cooling systems can improve the overall comfort of the home, while also reducing the maintenance involved with other systems. Energy efficient windows in your green home can not only lower heating and cooling costs, but will block the ultraviolet sunlight that can cause carpets and other home furnishings to discolor.

 

Lighting fixtures, appliances, and compact fluorescent bulbs will greatly reduce the energy costs to the owner of a green home. Using less energy will result in greater environmental benefits as well.

 

Water efficiency is also of great concern to green home owners. Downspout collection points and rain gardens are an excellent way to conserve water, while adding to the value and appearance of your green home.

 

When contemplating a green home purchase, or custom building a new green home, it is important to research and understand the concepts involved and the materials needed. By conserving energy through the use of a green home, you are ensuring a better world for all to live.